Here's what to do if you discover an office affair

When you think of people having affairs at work, it’s often met with shock, confusion and a dash of disgust. Why employees would bring their personal lives crashing uninvited into the office ecosystem is beyond most of us – yet, having said that, we are guilty of lapping up dramas like Mad Men and The Office, which is essentially the same just with better looking people.

And, according to a recent survey from Vault, 51% of workers hold their hands up to having had an extra marital affair at work, with 64% keen to repeat the experience. So, the problem is clearly more prolific than we’d like to imagine.

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An article in Ladders explained what to do if you discover your co-workers seedy secret – second to looking awkward and watching the whole situation implode on itself. Psychology Practitioner, Amy Cooper Hakim, told the publication that the first thing you should do is check your company’s code of conduct. “As long as company policy permits such a relationship, then it is truly none of your business,” she said. So, don’t go snooping around if it’s all above board.

However, if the two amorous employees are not complying with the rulebook, then it’s time for HR to don their Headmistress’ hat and get to scolding. New York Career Coach Carlota Zimmerman added: “If because of all the fun these crazy kids are having, deadlines aren’t being met, or office credit cards are being used to rent hotels and go on unnecessary business trips…You have a responsibility to politely, but clearly, make it clear to the parties involved, that they need to take it down a notch. I would probably speak first to the person whom you have some kind of friendly relationship.”